Microsoft is doing some interesting R&D around new interaction models for the desktop mouse. They are all based on various multi-touch technologies – with varying degrees of practicality. Take a look:
While some of the concepts being explored here are interesting, I don’t see them offering much of an advantage over a large multi-touch surface like the track-pad on the MacBook Pros. That said, if Microsoft were to combine this work with some of the innovative things going on through their XBox 360 Project Natal, that could open up some exciting interface design possibilities:
The continued innovations around low cost processing power, remote sensor technologies, and real-time software will certainly push the introduction of some interesting computer-human interface advancements.
Experimentation here will be key.
Multi-touch is a great starting point, but we have a long way to go…